Contributors

Monday, 16 March 2015

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the official
name of this religion, although it is more commonly referred to as the Mormon
Church.

It was created by Joseph Smith in 1830, who became the first president
of the Church. Joseph Smith is believed to have had a vision of God and Jesus
after he prayed to ask what Church to join. They believe that Joseph Smith was
asked by God and Jesus to restore the church which Christ organised when he was
on earth.

The Church of Jesus Christ began with six original members in 1830
and now has nearly 14 million members on six continents.

They believe in the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon and
they believe that every President of their church is a prophet. With the
current President and prophet being Thomas S. Monson.

They believe in helping others, and being selfless, as well
as partaking in missionary work. The church encourages all able young men to
undertake a two year missionary service at the age of 19.

“Imagine you found a cure for cancer. How urgently would you
spread the news of your discovery? Who would you tell? The gospel of Jesus
Christ is the cure for so many of life's ills that Mormons want to share the
good news of eternal life with the same urgency.”

Their values are similar to that of other religions, although they are
particularly focused on the family; “In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints families come first.”

They believe that everyone on earth, whether a
Mormon or not, is a child of God. They also believe that they can continue to
exist as families even after death.

In Mormon households they have a regular evening in which
the whole family comes together to share in spiritual training, for example, by
singing hymns and by praying together.

Whilst 99% of Mormons are Latter-day Saints, some members broke away and have
become known as Fundamentalist Mormons. They mainly differ to Latter-Day Saints
due to their belief in polygamy (having multiple wives)

I feel that this group can be
seen as particularly ‘American’ as it has a strong framework based around the
family and helping others. I feel that this is very American as I think that
traditionally Americans are seen as wanting to better themselves for their
family, as shown through the American dream. People want to live the American
dream and be able to provide for their families. Mormons are also particularly focused
on helping others and the community which I feel is something than can be seen
as traditionally American as I feel that America is often associated with having
a close community.